Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects or webbing.
- Check if the plant is getting at least 8 hours of direct sun daily.
- Look for sticky residue on the stems or surrounding soil.
Likely causes
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.
Spider mites
PossibleHow to tell: Look for fine webbing between the stems and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. These pests thrive in hot, dry conditions.
What to do: Increase humidity around the plant if possible or wash the foliage with a gentle spray of water. Use neem oil every 7 to 10 days until the mites are gone.
Find out what's wrong with your rubber rabbitbrush
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
You should worry if the infestation is covering the entire plant and causing significant wilting or yellowing. A few bugs are usually manageable and not a threat to a healthy, established shrub.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your rabbitbrush in full sun and avoid overwatering, as healthy plants naturally resist pests. Ensure good air circulation by not crowding it with other shrubs.
Rubber rabbitbrush: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rubber rabbitbrush and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I use chemical pesticides?
- It is best to avoid harsh chemicals because they can kill the beneficial insects that help keep your garden balanced. Stick to water sprays or insecticidal soaps first.
- Will these bugs kill my plant?
- Usually no, because rubber rabbitbrush is a very tough native plant. As long as you address the underlying stress, the plant will recover on its own.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Rubber rabbitbrush
Back to the Rubber rabbitbrush guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.